Prevalence and Psychological Impact of Antidepressant-Associated Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

This study attempted to estimate the prevalence and impact of sexual dysfunction on quality of life, treatment compliance, and dyadic adjustment with spouse. For this, 100 consenting subjects who had history of unipolar depression (as per Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and were in remission (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, <7) at time of intake and met the selection criteria were recruited. Then, they were assessed on Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, Compliance Rating Scale, Arizona Sexual Experience Questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality Of Life scale-BREF Version, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Twenty-three subjects were found to have sexual dysfunction. Nine subjects had dysfunction in the domain of desire, 5 had arousal difficulty, 6 subjects had problem with erection, and 8 subjects had problem with orgasm. Some of the subjects (n = 5) had sexual dysfunction in more than 1 domain. Significant difference was found between those with and without sexual dysfunction on dyadic adjustment scale and quality of life scale. However, no significant difference was seen on compliance rating scale and global assessment of functioning scale. From this study, it can be concluded that approximately one fourth of married male subjects experience antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction. Antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction contributes to poor quality of life and possibly contributes to poor marital adjustment. Hence, proper identification and management of sexual dysfunction is important to improve overall outcome of depression.